Another run at child care rules

A Coeur d’Alene lawmaker again is introducing legislation requiring strict new standards for Idaho child care providers, saying clearer language and bipartisan support could lead to wider debate – and approval.

“If we can get it out to the floor, I know it has a chance,” said Rep. George Sayler, R-Coeur d’Alene, whose bill died last year in a House Health and Welfare Committee on a 6-6 vote.

Expected to be introduced today, Sayler’s legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, and Rep. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle.

In general, the legislation seeks to strengthen child care standards for smaller state centers and private homes. Current state law provides for minimum health and safety standards only for centers with 13 or more children.

The revamped measure would require criminal background checks, require notification of the presence of sex offenders and lower staff-to-child ratios for kids under age 2. It would prohibit smoking or alcohol consumption during operating hours, prohibit or regulate firearms and weapons storage, and allow for revocation of licenses if children are endangered, among other changes.

Similar legislation last session was opposed by lawmakers who worried that increased fees and regulation would interfere with or eliminate comfortable family day care arrangements, primarily in rural areas. Sayler said Tuesday he believes he can get enough votes in committee to allow for wider consideration of the merits of the legislation.

“I feel better about our chances,” he said.

The changes are endorsed by members of the Idaho Association for the Education of the Young Child and by many child care providers and parents. Many of the changes echo new regulations imposed by Coeur d’Alene starting this year.

Across Idaho, about 60 percent of parents with children under age 6 are in the work force, according to U.S. census figures.

Statewide, that’s about 65,000 children who require care by someone other than a parent.